Independent investigation has debunked a earlier claim that Lufthansa Airlines pilots had to offload some passengers and luggage due to not being aware of a damaged Abuja airport runway section,
investigations has proofed tjo the contrary to show that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued informing airlines of the issue and the planned repairs.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN, we learnt, ) released messages to airlines about the runway closure and scheduled repairs.
A message from FAAN, issued on July 23, stated that Runway 04 would be closed from 10 pm on July 24 to 4 am on July 25 for planned repairs on a depressed section of the pavement.
The message advised airlines to review their flight schedules accordingly.
Experts have questioned Lufthansa’s decision to continue operating with a large number of passengers despite being informed of the repair work.
Travel Consultant Mr. Botunde Dele remarked that blaming the airport authority is ill-conceived, and that the pilot’s claim of not being informed about the depressed portion of the runway is unlikely to be true.
An engineer from FAAN disclosed that the depressed section had been repaired, and normal flight operations have since resumed.
The engineer stated that the authority took precautionary measures by informing airlines and taking action to ensure the runway’s functionality.
The emerging facts suggest that Nigerian aviation authorities followed proper procedure in addressing the Abuja runway issue.
With the issuance of a global NOTAM and a local operator bulletin, industry observers argue that the onus may have been on Lufthansa to adapt its operations accordingly.
